China has maintained a sound development trend this year, despite the complicated and changing international situation, SARS, and severe floods, said Premier Wen Jiabao at the 14th National Congress of Chinese Trade Unions on Thursday.

The resolutions adopted by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council had been proved completely correct as the national economy had maintained relatively fast growth, reforms in various fields were proceeding smoothly and orderly, and the country's opening toward the outside world was further expanding, he said.

Wen, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, made a report on the economic situation in China at the invitation of the congress.

Wen focused his speech on major issues including state enterprise reform, employment, social security, and sustainable development.

He urged CPC committees and governments at different levels to take substantial measures to protect workers and their rights, help them resolve difficulties, and pay greater attention to industrial safety.

Wen pledged to defend the working class whole-heartedly and bring into full play the initiatives and creativity of workers, in the effort to realize China's modernization and the rejuvenation.

Wang Zhaoguo, president of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, presided over the meeting. Also present was Ni Zhifu, a former president of the federation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2003)